.NET has been around for some time now, yet it remains one of the most pertinent frameworks as far as software development is concerned. The reusable code and object-oriented programming features of .NET reduce operational expenses and, most importantly, save development time. Because .NET is a sophisticated development tool, it can be used for both the front- and back-end of digital products.
Becoming a .NET developer might be an ideal career if you take interest in building and managing technology. It’s possible to work as a .NET developer without formal qualifications. Nevertheless, employers prefer candidates with qualifications in computer science. Having a degree can improve your chances of employment, but it doesn’t guarantee success. A degree without the skills is meaningless.
As a .NET developer, you can expect to earn a competitive salary
The median junior .NET developer salary ranges between $64,070 and $79,500 per year, in the United States. As you make progress in your career, you have the opportunity to earn more. For instance, a mid-level .NET developer earns around $83,121 per year. Last but certainly not least, the annual salary for a senior .NET developer is roughly $110,731.
Among the states where .NET developers get paid the most for their services is Washington. New (and old)data show that the Evergreen State is a good place for someone who wants to make the most as a .NET developer. You should pack your laptop and head on over to Washington. Or North Carolina. Other options include Texas and California.
More the skills, more the pay
Several factors influence the overall economic compensation, including the demand and supply for a specific skill, location, experience, productivity, and so forth. Someone with a higher level of skills has a better chance of drawing a higher pay rate. Tech leaders strive to identify and hire skilled workers that are capable of executing their organization’s plans. Therefore, the most important thing for a .NET developer is the skill set.
As a prospective employee, it’s advantageous to have high-paying skills that can earn you a competitive salary within your industry. This increases your value in the market. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that some abilities are highly compensated because they are more valuable to employers. It’s up to you to find out which those skills are and integrate them into your career.
The skills that will position you as a candidate for a higher .NET developer salary
There are certain skills that all good .NET developers must have, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Nonetheless, you must master specific skills related to the framework. Without further ado, these are the skills you need to unlock the upper tiers of the salaries we’ve just mentioned:
Knowledge of ASP.NET MVC
Owing to the ASP.NET MVC framework, you can build dynamic web applications, which can be used for e-businesses, online databases, collaborative content, and so on. Microsoft has redesigned the existing framework and advanced a new ASP.NET MVC, ensuring flexibility in high-end web applications. It’s not difficult to master if you’re already familiar with MVVM methodologies and frameworks like KO.
Knowledge of databases
Almost all systems that you work with involve a database infrastructure. It’s necessary to have the necessary technical knowledge to know how to work with the design of the system. Understand the ins and outs of database tables and relationships, not to mention how to structure one from the very beginning. SQL skills will come in handy, but you need experience with ORMs like Entity Framework.
These days, applications leverage various NoSQL databases. Examples include CouchDB and MongoDB. Have an open mind and the desire to learn. Having these skills in your repertoire will give you an upper hand. You can accelerate your .NET development and become a more valuable job candidate.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) Certificate
This program is aimed at software developers who can design solutions using both in-person and cloud technologies. Employers are aware of the fact that someone with an MCSD certificate has attained a minimal degree of competency in .NET development skills. They can develop enterprise solutions using Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and .NET Framework 1.1.
Proficiency with C#
You can write code in more than one programming language at a time and for the same application using the languages developed by Microsoft. C# is one of the most supported languages in terms of building .NET applications. There’s no limit to what you can do. The salary prospects look good for people who know C#.
Experience with client-side web development technologies
Web applications generally rely on client-side web development technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. If you show very great skill in Angular or React technologies, you can secure a higher salary as a .NET developer. Choose a development framework that is convenient to maintain in the following years.
Don’t pick a framework that you’ll later regret being dependent upon. You’ll benefit from a variety of web development technologies, which should be chosen separately for front-end and back-end programming.
By and large, these are the skills that you need as a .NET developer. If you take the time to learn new skills or obtain a prestigious certification, you’ll reap important benefits. Every day, you have the chance to innovate and learn new things. As with many jobs in tech, soft skills are important too. When interviewing for a job, show off skills such as interpersonal communication, project management, and teamwork.
Are bonuses common for .NET developers?
Some companies make available performance-based bonuses as part of the overall compensation package. To put it simply, extra compensation is awarded if you manage to reach the pre-established goals and benchmarks. Tech giants, as well as unicorns, offer such bonuses. So, it pays to be outstanding.
The size of the bonus depends on the seniority in the team. Thus, if you’ve been with the company for a long time, you’ll receive a substantial incentive. Organizations know that, if the desired behavior is rewarded, they will get more of it.
Bio
Dariia Herasymova is a Recruitment Team Lead at Devox Software. She hires software development teams for startups, small businesses, and enterprises. She carries out a full cycle of recruitment; creates job descriptions based on talks with clients, searches and interviews candidates, and onboards the newcomers. Dariia knows how to build HR and recruitment processes from scratch. She strives to find a person with appropriate technical and soft skills who will share the company’s values. When she has free time, she writes articles on various outsourcing models for our blog.
